Embark on a journey of exploration and adventure at Seal River Heritage Lodge near Churchill, Manitoba, one of the original New World arrival points of the Old World Explorers. Known as the Polar Bear capital of the world, this area is also the best place in the world to see Beluga Whales in great numbers in their natural habitat.
Lodge accommodations are comfortable. Viewing lounges are complimented by well appointed bedrooms. The lodge is equipped with full bathrooms, hot and cold running water and generated electricity. Meals are gourmet and we do cook for special needs as required, please advise ahead of time. See ask us about our “What to Bring” list for specialty items to include in your packing. People arrive with a wide range of physical abilities and interests; we will have optional activities for those wishing not to join in a particular tour.
Day 1: Arrive and check in at the Four Points Sheraton, Winnipeg Airport.
Day 2: Check in at the Calm Air counter for your flight to Churchill. By air, you might be lucky enough to see the “bear patrol” escorting one of our great white bears off the runway. One of our expert staff will greet you at the airport or train station and introduce you to Churchill and our tour. This afternoon you will have a Cultural/Historical Tour of the town and the surrounding area. Visit local places of interest such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, and a variety of other destinations. Learn about the adventurers from the Hudson’s Bay Company who founded the town as well as how the town’s people cope with the problems brought on by modern times. This afternoon offers free time to visit such places as the Eskimo Museum and the Parks Canada Display.
Day 3: Start your day with a hardy hot breakfast. Next we are off to our charter plane base where you will be flown to Seal River Heritage Lodge on a fantastic aerial adventure along the Hudson Bay coast. Be prepared for spectacular sightings of huge pods of whales, bird life, seals, caribou and of course, the great Ice Bears. The Seal River Estuary is a favourite summer haunt for these huge, white bears, where they can be seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge. Your hosts, Mike and Jeanne Reimer will introduce you to the lodge program and get you settled into your room.
Day 4-7: Over the next few days your guide will lead you on a variety of wilderness adventures in tune with the rhythm of the land and sea. You will learn to interpret the movements of wildlife according to their schedule as it relates to winds, tides, temperature, food supply, etc. The following will be part of the program but expect much more...
Marine Tours- Tides and weather permitting we will do at least three expeditions by boat to view beluga whales, seals, seabirds and polar bears. Marine tours are conducted in large, nine man inflatable boats, fully equipped with two way radios, safety gear and floatation jackets for each passenger. We spend three to four hours on the Hudson Bay, working around the high tides and take refreshments or lunches should we be out over lunch. Expect to see hundreds of whales per outing! Beluga whales are very curious and social creatures and will investigate any visitors, coming right up to the side of the boat for a better view and even the opportunity for a pat on the head. Getting up-close and personal with these awesome creatures is the experience of a lifetime.
Trekking/Walking Tours- These are a daily part of the program ranging from an hour jaunt to perhaps photograph a passing caribou to day trips on the tundra with a pack lunch. . Excursions on foot in the domain of the hardiest of arctic creatures, indigenous people and explorers are sure to offer a sense of the resoluteness of those who walked these trails before us. This is the perfect way to get in touch with the land and the area flora and fauna. Nesting bird life, fox dens, wild flowers, and caribou are just a few of the sights you will take in. When polar bears are sighted, your guide will advise you on the best way to maintain a safe viewing distance.
Coast by Buggy- See the Hudson Bay coast on our custom made Tundra Tracker. A day trip in one of these vehicles allows us to cover a lot of shoreline searching out wildlife. Lunch is a picnic en route. And we provide ample time to explore and photograph the trail.
Ocean Paddles- We have several sea kayaks and canoes on site for your use at any time. Perfect tranquility with only the sound of your dipping paddle and the “sea canaries” is truly awe inspiring!
Aurora Watching- Yes, you can enjoy the greatest light show on earth in summer especially in the latter part of our season. Look up to see a sky so big it touches the Bay and highlighted by dancing light.
Whale Swim- Swim with the whales. A few hardy adventurers will take the ultimate plunge and join the belugas in their watery world of the Hudson Bay. If given a suitable amount of time we can order dry or wet suits for you to enjoy this experience.
Bird Watching- Over 150 species of birds visit this area and our expert guides can help you locate and identify a wide variety of these – chances are you will add several “lifers” to your book.
Wildlife Photography Workshops- So you can recapture your adventures on your return home, we offer wildlife photography workshops and professional advice as you shoot.
Photo Presentations and Lectures- From “Travel in Bear Country” to “Wildlife of the Arctic” our own northern adventurers will regale you with photos and stories and offer extensive opportunity to learn about northern wildlife, the northern landscape, her people and her secrets.
Rest and Relaxation- Should you decide that curling up by the fireplace with a good book or enjoying a hot drink and sharing stories with your fellow adventurers is what you need, you can feel free to do that too.
Day 8: After another hardy lodge breakfast it is time for one last walk on the tundra before packing. Have cameras ready again for the return flight to Churchill as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots.
You will arrive in Churchill in time for lunch and your afternoon is then free for browsing the shops of Churchill, and visiting the world-renowned Eskimo Museum, the Parks Canada centre and other unique places. Unless you have requested an extended stay in Churchill, we will take you to airport to for your flight out. Upon arrival into Winnipeg you will overnight again at the Sheraton Four Points, Winnipeg Airport.
Day 9: After check out you will walk across the street to the Winnipeg Airport to check in for your flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
DEPARTURE DATES:
July 25, 30 in 2007
August 4 in 2007
PRICE:
CA$6591
Per person twin share.
Single supplement CA$156
INCLUDED:
· Round-trip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill.
· Round-trip transfers
· 2 nights hotel accommodation in Winnipeg.
· 6 nights accommodation at Seal River Heritage Lodge.
· Meals while at lodge.
· Tours as indicated in itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED:
· Taxes, fees and airline surcharges.
· 6% GST.
NOTES:
Day 2 may be changed to go directly to the lodge depending on the day of the week. Day 7 would change to your departure out of the lodge and overnight in Churchill. Day 8 would be your town tour with your departure this evening.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Manitoba
Cultural Journey
Wildlife Viewing
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